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Penelope Hasking
and
Irene Ngune
Hospital presentations for the treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) have been increasing annually, and healthcare workers play a critical role in empowering people who have self-injured to achieve positive health outcomes. Understanding NSSI helps us communicate effectively, conduct comprehensive assessments, promote recovery, and protect our own emotional safety while caring for people who have self-injured.
Read more
Hospital presentations for the treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) have been increasing annually, and healthcare workers play a critical role in empowering people who have self-injured to achieve positive health outcomes. Understanding NSSI helps us communicate effectively, conduct comprehensive assessments, promote recovery, and protect our own emotional safety while caring for people who have self-injured.
Read more
Hospital presentations for the treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) have been increasing annually, and healthcare workers play a critical role in empowering people who have self-injured to achieve positive health outcomes. Understanding NSSI helps us communicate effectively, conduct comprehensive assessments, promote recovery, and protect our own emotional safety while caring for people who have self-injured.
This course has been developed in collaboration with emergency and mental health nursing specialists, psychologists, social workers and people with lived experience of self-injury, and taught by instructors with decades of experience in NSSI research and mental health nursing.
This course will equip nurses with a better understanding of NSSI, the links between NSSI and suicidal behaviours, the reasons people engage in NSSI, how to compassionately and effectively respond to patients who self-injure, and how to better care for themselves in a busy emergency environment.
Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses and midwives completing this course may claim up to 4 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) in Australia, under standards and guidelines by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
If you wish to enrol in the verified track to earn a certificate, and are currently a:• WA Health employee;• student at Curtin University; or• student at Edith Cowan University,you may be eligible for a discount.Please email [email protected] from your work or university account to enquire about a voucherbefore you pay.Discounts cannot be issued after you have paid, and no refunds will be given.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/pho64j/nonsuicidal
What's inside
Learning objectives
- By successfully completing this course, you will be able to:• distinguish non-suicidal self-injury from a suicide attempt or other self-harm behaviours.• describe who engages in nssi.• understand why people self-injure.• understand the impact of stigma on people who self-injure.• describe how your attitudes and perceptions impact the outcomes of people who self-injure.• employ respectful curiosity to better understand a person’s experience of self-injury.• assess non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour.• explain how to address aftercare with people who self-injure.• assess the functions of self-injury.• support people who self-injure to move toward change.• understand what self-injury recovery looks like.• apply your understanding of self-injury recovery to work therapeutically with people who self-injure.• discuss how compassion fatigue and burnout affect us, our patients, our work, and family/significant others.• recognise if you are experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout and make changes to improve your situation.• engage in self-care and self-compassion.
- These learning outcomes are mapped to both the registered nurse standards for practice (by the nursing and midwifery board of australia), and the practice standards for the specialist emergency nurse (by the college of emergency nursing australasia).
- By successfully completing this course, you will be able to:• distinguish non-suicidal self-injury from a suicide attempt or other self-harm behaviours.• describe who engages in nssi.• understand why people self-injure.• understand the impact of stigma on people who self-injure.• describe how your attitudes and perceptions impact the outcomes of people who self-injure.• employ respectful curiosity to better understand a person’s experience of self-injury.• assess non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour.• explain how to address aftercare with people who self-injure.• assess the functions of self-injury.• support people who self-injure to move toward change.• understand what self-injury recovery looks like.• apply your understanding of self-injury recovery to work therapeutically with people who self-injure.• discuss how compassion fatigue and burnout affect us, our patients, our work, and family/significant others.• recognise if you are experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout and make changes to improve your situation.• engage in self-care and self-compassion.
- These learning outcomes are mapped to both the registered nurse standards for practice (by the nursing and midwifery board of australia), and the practice standards for the specialist emergency nurse (by the college of emergency nursing australasia).
Syllabus
This course consists of an orientation module, four content modules, and a course summary module. A learner is estimated to spend at least 1-2 hours per week on each of the following content modules:
Read more
Syllabus
This course consists of an orientation module, four content modules, and a course summary module. A learner is estimated to spend at least 1-2 hours per week on each of the following content modules:
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Addresses the increasing hospital presentations related to nonsuicidal self-injury, which is highly relevant for nurses in emergency and mental health settings
Provides nurses with strategies to communicate effectively, conduct assessments, promote recovery, and protect their emotional well-being when caring for people who self-injure
Developed in collaboration with emergency and mental health nursing specialists, psychologists, social workers, and people with lived experience, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach
Focuses on understanding the impact of stigma, employing respectful curiosity, and supporting individuals toward change, which are essential for therapeutic work
Explores compassion fatigue and burnout, offering strategies for self-care and self-compassion, which are crucial for maintaining well-being in demanding healthcare roles
Maps learning outcomes to the Registered Nurse Standards for Practice and the Practice Standards for the Specialist Emergency Nurse, aligning with professional standards
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Reviews summary
Nssi awareness for nursing professionals
According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and practical overview of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) specifically tailored for nurses. Students found the content on understanding NSSI, effective communication, and assessment particularly valuable for their clinical practice. The module on self-care and compassion fatigue was also highlighted as a crucial component, acknowledging the emotional demands of working with this population. Reviewers appreciate the course's focus on compassionate and effective responses, empowering them to improve patient outcomes while also considering their own well-being. While the course is comprehensive for an introductory level, some suggest it serves as a solid foundation that could be further built upon in practice.
Provides a good starting point for nurses.
"This course is an excellent introduction to NSSI for nurses who haven't had much specific training."
"I feel I have a good base of knowledge now to build upon through experience."
"It covered all the essential aspects I needed to understand to feel more confident."
"For someone new to this area, the course provides a comprehensive starting point."
Crucial focus on nurse well-being.
"The module on self-compassion and self-care was essential, not just for patients, but for us as nurses."
"It's so important to discuss burnout when dealing with sensitive topics like this, and I'm glad the course included it."
"I appreciated the practical tips for recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue in myself."
"This course reminded me that taking care of myself is vital for providing good patient care."
Handled a difficult topic thoughtfully.
"The course approached the topic of self-injury with great sensitivity and respect."
"It really helped to destigmatize NSSI and build empathy."
"I gained a much deeper understanding of the reasons behind self-injury, which is critical."
"The information provided felt accurate, up-to-date, and presented compassionately."
Improved skills for sensitive patient interactions.
"The section on effective communication really shifted my perspective and approach."
"I found the guidance on respectful curiosity very helpful for building trust."
"Learning how to talk about self-injury in a non-judgmental way is a key takeaway for me."
"The course provided concrete examples of how to phrase difficult questions sensitively."
Directly applicable to daily nursing work.
"This course gave me practical strategies I can use immediately when interacting with patients who self-injure."
"The content was incredibly relevant to my work in the emergency department. I feel more prepared."
"It addressed real-world scenarios we face in nursing, offering clear guidance."
"I learned how to improve my communication and assessment skills specifically for this patient group."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Awareness for Nurses with these
activities:
Review Mental Health First Aid Principles
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic mental health first aid principles to better prepare for the course's focus on NSSI.
Show steps
-
Review the core principles of mental health first aid.
-
Practice active listening and empathetic communication.
-
Familiarize yourself with common mental health crises.
Review 'Cutting'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and experiences of individuals who self-injure by reading 'Cutting'.
View
Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book, focusing on the sections related to the causes and triggers of self-injury.
-
Reflect on how the information can inform your approach to patient care.
Review 'The Body Keeps the Score'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the link between trauma and self-injury by exploring the concepts presented in 'The Body Keeps the Score'.
View
SUMMARY of the BODY KEEPS the SCORE by BESSEL...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book, focusing on sections related to trauma and its impact on behavior.
-
Reflect on how the concepts relate to NSSI and patient care.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Role-Play Communication Scenarios
Show steps
Practice effective communication techniques in a safe environment to improve your ability to respond compassionately to patients who self-injure.
Show steps
-
Partner with a colleague or classmate.
-
Develop realistic scenarios involving patients who self-injure.
-
Role-play the scenarios, focusing on respectful and empathetic communication.
-
Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Develop a Self-Care Plan
Show steps
Create a personalized self-care plan to mitigate compassion fatigue and burnout, crucial for nurses working with patients who self-injure.
Show steps
-
Identify personal stressors and triggers related to work.
-
List activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
-
Schedule time for self-care activities regularly.
-
Reflect on the effectiveness of the plan and adjust as needed.
Volunteer at a Mental Health Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience and develop empathy by volunteering at a mental health organization that supports individuals with self-injury.
Show steps
-
Research local mental health organizations.
-
Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Complete the necessary training and onboarding process.
-
Volunteer regularly, providing support and assistance to clients.
Develop an NSSI Resource Guide
Show steps
Create a resource guide for nurses and other healthcare professionals on NSSI, including assessment tools, intervention strategies, and self-care tips.
Show steps
-
Research evidence-based practices for NSSI assessment and intervention.
-
Compile a list of relevant resources, such as websites, articles, and books.
-
Organize the information into a user-friendly guide.
-
Share the guide with colleagues and seek feedback.
Review Mental Health First Aid Principles
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic mental health first aid principles to better prepare for the course's focus on NSSI.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the core principles of mental health first aid.
- Practice active listening and empathetic communication.
- Familiarize yourself with common mental health crises.
Review 'Cutting'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and experiences of individuals who self-injure by reading 'Cutting'.
View
Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book, focusing on the sections related to the causes and triggers of self-injury.
- Reflect on how the information can inform your approach to patient care.
Review 'The Body Keeps the Score'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the link between trauma and self-injury by exploring the concepts presented in 'The Body Keeps the Score'.
View
SUMMARY of the BODY KEEPS the SCORE by BESSEL...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book, focusing on sections related to trauma and its impact on behavior.
- Reflect on how the concepts relate to NSSI and patient care.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Role-Play Communication Scenarios
Show steps
Practice effective communication techniques in a safe environment to improve your ability to respond compassionately to patients who self-injure.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Partner with a colleague or classmate.
- Develop realistic scenarios involving patients who self-injure.
- Role-play the scenarios, focusing on respectful and empathetic communication.
- Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Develop a Self-Care Plan
Show steps
Create a personalized self-care plan to mitigate compassion fatigue and burnout, crucial for nurses working with patients who self-injure.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify personal stressors and triggers related to work.
- List activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
- Schedule time for self-care activities regularly.
- Reflect on the effectiveness of the plan and adjust as needed.
Volunteer at a Mental Health Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience and develop empathy by volunteering at a mental health organization that supports individuals with self-injury.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local mental health organizations.
- Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Complete the necessary training and onboarding process.
- Volunteer regularly, providing support and assistance to clients.
Develop an NSSI Resource Guide
Show steps
Create a resource guide for nurses and other healthcare professionals on NSSI, including assessment tools, intervention strategies, and self-care tips.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research evidence-based practices for NSSI assessment and intervention.
- Compile a list of relevant resources, such as websites, articles, and books.
- Organize the information into a user-friendly guide.
- Share the guide with colleagues and seek feedback.
Career center
Learners who complete Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Awareness for Nurses will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Mental Health Nurse
Mental Health Nurse
A mental health nurse provides care for patients with a variety of mental health conditions, including those who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury. This course helps a mental health nurse understand the reasons behind nonsuicidal self-injury and develop effective strategies for communicating with and supporting patients. Furthermore, the course covers techniques that nurses can use to assess both self-injury, and suicidal behavior, and how to provide aftercare. It also addresses the self-care needed by healthcare workers to avoid burnout.
Emergency Nurse
Emergency Nurse
An emergency nurse must be prepared to treat many patients who present with self-inflicted injury. This course equips emergency nurses with the foundational knowledge to understand nonsuicidal self-injury and how to implement best practices when responding to it. An emergency nurse gains insight into why people engage in self-injury. They also acquire skills for respectful communication with patients experiencing self-harm. The course provides practical guidance for assessment and aftercare, along with strategies for self-care.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A psychiatric nurse practitioner often assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with complex mental health conditions, including those who engage in self-harm. This course is essential for a psychiatric nurse practitioner, helping them to understand the nuances of nonsuicidal self-injury and its difference from suicide attempts. The course also helps a psychiatric nurse practitioner communicate effectively and compassionately with this patient population, and it provides strategies for comprehensive assessment and therapeutic intervention. It emphasizes the importance of self-care to prevent burnout.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A clinical nurse specialist often serves as a resource and consultant for other nurses, particularly on specialized topics like nonsuicidal self-injury. This course helps a clinical nurse specialist better understand the causes and functions of self-injury, and it provides best practice approaches to assessment and care. This knowledge allows the clinical nurse specialist to offer better education and mentorship to colleagues. This course's focus on self-care is particularly important, given the emotional complexity of this area of practice.
School Nurse
School Nurse
A school nurse may encounter students who engage in self-harm and must be able to respond with care and understanding. This course helps a school nurse better understand the reasons behind nonsuicidal self-injury, and it equips them with tools for appropriate assessment and response. The course explores the impact of stigma on those who self-harm, and it discusses how nurses can create a safe and supportive environment. The emphasis on self-care further enhances a nurse's ability to effectively support students.
Addiction Nurse
Addiction Nurse
An addiction nurse frequently encounters patients who engage in self-harm alongside substance use disorders. This course helps an addiction nurse understand the underlying reasons and functions of nonsuicidal self-injury and differentiate it from suicidal behavior. The course emphasizes how to communicate with clients who engage in self-injury. It also considers how to provide self-care among addiction nurses who have a higher risk of burnout.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
A registered nurse in various settings may encounter patients who self-injure. This course aids a registered nurse by providing a foundation for understanding nonsuicidal self-injury and how to respond compassionately and effectively. The curriculum explores the reasons behind self-injury, and it addresses how to assess patients who self-harm. Further, the course encourages self-care practices, which are particularly important when working with this patient population.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist often works with clients who engage in self harm. This course may be useful for a psychotherapist, and it can help them gain a better understanding of nonsuicidal self-injury. It provides a framework for effective communication and assessment strategies. The course also considers the importance of self-care for preventing therapist burnout, an important issue when dealing with clients who engage in this behavior.
Social Worker
Social Worker
A social worker often encounters individuals who engage in non-suicidal self-injury. This course may help a social worker better understand the complexities of this behavior. It provides strategies for appropriate assessment and support. The course also addresses how to practice self-care when working with this population, and how to avoid burnout, making them more effective. This course will be useful for a social worker in this role.
Counselor
Counselor
A counselor often works with individuals who may engage in nonsuicidal self-injury. This course may help a counselor gain insight into the drivers behind this behavior, and it provides useful strategies for communication, assessment, and aftercare. The course's emphasis on self-compassion and self-care may also help counselors to better support their own well being while working with such a complex population.
Case Manager
Case Manager
A case manager often works with clients who have complex needs, including those who engage in self-harm. This course may help a case manager better understand the motivations and triggers for nonsuicidal self-injury. This course is useful for a case manager because it provides strategies for a comprehensive assessment of this population. Additionally, a case manager may find this course's section on self-care to be of particular benefit.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A health educator may address the topic of self-harm when developing educational programs for the community. This course may help a health educator gain a foundational understanding of nonsuicidal self-injury and the reasons behind it. A health educator may find the discussion of stigma helpful as they work with the community. Further, this course may be useful for a health educator because it provides practical strategies for assessment and support for those who self-injure.
Life Coach
Life Coach
A life coach may encounter clients who have struggled with self-injury in the past or present. This course may help a life coach by providing a foundation for understanding nonsuicidal self-injury. It promotes a respectful and compassionate approach when working with individuals who self-harm. The emphasis on self-care may support a life coach in maintaining their well being. This course may be useful for a life coach because it will help provide better guidance and support for their clients.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant
A medical assistant supports health care professionals and may encounter patients who self-injure. This course may be helpful for a medical assistant in better understanding the nature and reasons behind nonsuicidal self-injury. It provides a framework for appropriate communication and interaction with patients who engage in self-harm, and it offers insights into the importance of self-care in the healthcare setting. This may be a helpful course in expanding a medical assistant's scope of knowledge.
Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant
A nursing assistant provides direct patient care and may encounter patients who self-injure. This course may help a nursing assistant understand and respond appropriately to patients engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury. It can provide them with a better understanding of the reasons behind self-injury and ways to communicate respectfully with patients. The principles of self-care may be valuable for a nursing assistant in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pho64j/nonsuicidal
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Awareness for Nurses.
Provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its impact on the brain and body. It offers valuable insights into the experiences of individuals who have experienced trauma, which is often a contributing factor to NSSI. Reading this book will help nurses develop a more trauma-informed approach to care. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying causes and potential triggers for NSSI.
Offers a comprehensive overview of self-mutilation, including its causes, triggers, and treatment options. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals who self-injure and offers practical strategies for helping them cope with their emotions. While somewhat dated, it remains a useful resource for understanding the complexities of NSSI. It provides a historical perspective on the understanding and treatment of NSSI.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pho64j/nonsuicidal
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Effort
1 to 3 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Curtin University
Instructors
Penelope Hasking
Irene Ngune
Language
English
Transcript
English
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